We’re continuing our ‘Three quick question’ series with an interview with artist Tobias Dirty from gallery Urgente in Buenos Aires, Argentina. At Supermarket 2015 they will show art works from four artists exploring the idea of portability and mobility related to the difficulties exporting art outside Argentina. On this theme Tobias has created works that can be folded and transported in standard suitcases. 

Hi Tobias! Who are you?
I studied at the National Arts University in Buenos Aires and have been doing both solo and group exhibitions and art fairs during the last years. I currently run Urgente together with a group of other artists. My work focuses on social issues such as gender theories, sexuality, work and discrimination through a wide range of media: drawing, sculpture, installation and performance. I reflect on these topics through physical experiences, forcing the spectator to participate and relate to them in a personal way. I really like to manipulate cliches and preconceptions to think about art’s real use and its potential as a reality transforming force.

Could you tell us a little bit about "Vagabond"?
“Vagabond” is a piece from the solo show I’m having in Buenos Aires at the same time as the art fair. It’s the result of a series of works about young people, their role in society and how they are perceived. It consists of a chart comparing young people and “vagabonds” (French for hobo). Also, when I made the actual piece I always had in mind how difficult and corrupt steps I had to take to export the piece properly, affecting how I made it and even its materiality. It’s because of those absurd bureaucracy processes that most, if not all, artists and gallerists end up hiding artworks in their luggage. So I thought of the piece in terms of functionality, I thought of a piece that could be folded, wrinkled, not ruined, and actually being complete by the fact that it was transported like this. I’m also showing another piece that is actual clothing and will be packed as such in my bags.

What do you look forward to the most at Supermarket?
I’m sure this experience will be fun and productive; personally I would love to get to know the other projects at the fair, and even go to the ones from Stockholm. It would be great to find a group with common interests and even some friendly bonds. 

For more art from Tobias, go to his Tumblr!